The foursome at The Daily Star café

(From Left): Tarik Swapan, Shamim Zaman, Arfan and Hime Hafiz.

The foursome of Shamim Zaman, Arfan, Tarik Swapan and Hime Hafiz, who started their career as theatre artistes, are now familiar faces on the small screen and successful models too.
The four sat down for a chit-chat at The Daily Star café.
“I had to shave my head for a commercial of Grameenphone commercial aired on different TV channels,” shared Hime Hafiz.
Meanwhile, Swapan, who works with theatre troupe Nattokendro, joined the cafe. Swapan came into the spotlight with his acting skills in the drama serial “Long March”.
“I have received much acclaim for my role in the play 'Red Signal' on Banglavision. When I venture out, young people shout, 'The man of Red Signal is coming!'” said Swapan.
“When I was shooting for the Grameenphone TVC, I had to go home late at night. A pack of dogs on the street began to bark at me, presumably because of my bald head. It was a test of my true popularity”, said Hafiz, bursting into a laughter.
Meanwhile, Arfan is a frequent face on TV. The actor said, “I'm very dedicated to my profession and people say that I am enormously energetic. I feel bored when there is no work stress.”
Recalling some interesting incidents in his successful career, the actor said he had to wear a wig for a role in the play “Kartakahani” directed by Aranna Anwar. “After that, I was the victim of a number of jokes,” he said.
Finally Shamim Zaman, who started his career as a theatre artiste of the troupe Aranyak Nattodal, joined in the discussion. He divides his time acting in TV plays, celluloid ventures, modelling and direction.
Sharing a memorable event, Shamim said “When I was modelling with a Lux Superstar, a cat was needed for the shoot. We had great fun as the cat was a volatile character. In real life, women laughed at me for playing a woman in the play “Alta Sundori”.
At one stage, the discussion became lively. Responding to a query, Shamim said that traffic congestion was a great irritant for city dwellers. Due to the traffic, nobody can reach their destination on time, pitched in Swapan.
All four were seen acting in comedies. The actors said that this was because this genre entertained viewers more than serious plays. However, they have acted in serious plays as well to explore versatility.